The Delhi government and IIT Kanpur successfully conducted a cloud-seeding operation to trigger rainfall and reduce pollution; showers may occur soon if humidity conditions remain favourable.
The Delhi government, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), successfully executed a cloud-seeding operation on Tuesday across various areas of the city, including Burari, Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar. This initiative involved the dispersal of silver iodide and salt compounds into the clouds from a specially modified aircraft, with the goal of triggering artificial rainfall and enhancing the city's declining air quality.
Officials reported that the operation proceeded as intended, and artificial rain could potentially occur within the next few hours if moisture levels are sufficient. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that the operation was conducted under favorable atmospheric conditions and could provide much-needed relief from the heavy smog that has enveloped the city following Diwali.
In recent days, Delhi's air quality has plummeted to "severe" levels due to a mix of firecracker emissions, crop stubble burning, and stagnant weather conditions. The cloud-seeding initiative is part of a larger pollution-control strategy for the winter months, aimed at decreasing particulate matter levels and enhancing visibility.
Experts noted that the success of cloud-seeding is highly dependent on cloud density and humidity, and outcomes may differ from one area to another. While this experiment represents a significant technological advancement, environmental specialists have emphasized that such measures can only offer temporary relief and should be supported by long-term policies aimed at reducing emissions and industrial pollution.
Officials mentioned that additional trials may be conducted in the coming days, contingent on the success of this operation and the prevailing weather conditions.